In a striking display of unorthodox preparation, India’s burgeoning talents, Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel, have raised eyebrows with a unique ‘one pad off’ drill during a recent optional practice session at Eden Gardens. This breaking news analysis delves into the tactical brilliance and inherent risks of this ‘old-school’ method, alongside broader team developments as India prepares for its upcoming Test encounter.

The Method Behind the ‘Madness’: One Pad Off

Cricket, often a game of habit and routine, occasionally throws up training quirks designed to challenge conventional wisdom. On Monday, both Sai Sudharsan, a left-handed batsman, and Dhruv Jurel, a right-hander, were observed facing spinners with just one pad on. Specifically, they removed their front pads (Sudharsan’s right pad, Jurel’s right pad), a practice reminiscent of an earlier era in cricket coaching.

The primary rationale behind this seemingly perilous exercise is to compel batters to rely almost entirely on their bat, rather than their pad, as the first line of defence against turning deliveries. Modern-day cricket, with its emphasis on power and quick scoring, has often seen batters, especially in white-ball formats, become accustomed to using their front pad to block or negate spin, sometimes leading to leg-before-wicket (LBW) dismissals where the pad intervenes before the bat. By removing the front pad, the drill strips away this ‘conditioned reflex’, forcing a hyper-focus on footwork, precise bat-pad alignment, and a decisive forward stride.

Sudharsan’s Strategic Application Against Spin

For Sai Sudharsan, a left-hander who did not feature in the previous Test and is vying for a spot, this drill was particularly targeted. Facing left-arm and off-spinners without his right pad, he aimed to ‘ensure a big front-foot stride without any protection on that leg’. This approach is critical in combating the spin and drift, especially when the ball is turning away from the left-hander or coming into him. A substantial front-foot movement allows the batter to ‘smother the spin’ at its pitch, reducing its impact and making it harder for the ball to grip and deviate sharply. It also encourages stepping out of the crease, an aggressive tactic to disrupt a spinner’s rhythm.

The original content highlights a ‘current tendency among Indian left-handers to go on the back foot, as they struggle to read spinners from the hand and try to play with the turn’. This insight underscores the strategic importance of Sudharsan’s training. By forcing him onto the front foot, the coaching staff, including head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, are likely attempting to instil a more proactive and authoritative approach against spin, especially relevant in subcontinent conditions where spin dominance is often a deciding factor. The risk, naturally, is ‘avoiding blows on the shin bone or any exposed area that could lead to a fracture’, a danger that keeps the batter hyper-alert and sharp.

Jurel’s Innovative Approach to the Reverse Sweep

Dhruv Jurel, a right-handed batter, also adopted the ‘one pad off’ method, though for a slightly different tactical reason: to perfect his reverse sweep. The execution of a reverse sweep demands ‘a big stride forward with the right leg’ for a right-hander. By removing the right pad, Jurel is likely aiming to hone the optimal foot placement and body balance required for this audacious stroke. The reverse sweep, once considered a novelty, has become a potent weapon in modern cricket, even in Tests, allowing batters to disrupt field settings and put pressure on spinners. This ‘exercise designed to ensure correct movement while minimising the risk of injury’ is a testament to Jurel’s commitment to expanding his stroke play repertoire, a vital asset for any contemporary cricketer.

The Gambhir Gaze: Coaching Prowess in Action

Significantly, head coach Gautam Gambhir was observed ‘keeping a close watch on Sudharsan’ during the session. Gambhir, known for his gritty temperament and technical solidity against spin during his playing days, is likely to endorse such rigorous, performance-driven drills. His personal involvement and ‘lengthy discussions’ with Sudharsan, along with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, suggest a concerted effort to fine-tune the youngster’s technique. It’s a clear signal that the team management is invested in specific, high-intensity training to address potential technical gaps or enhance existing strengths, especially for players on the cusp of Test selection.

While Sudharsan showed promising signs against spin, the original report notes he ‘did not look entirely confident against the pacers, as Akash Deep found his outside edge multiple times and even the net bowlers troubled him with movement’. This indicates the multi-faceted challenges a young batter faces and the need for comprehensive development across all bowling types.

Gill’s Setback and Reddy’s Opportunity

Beyond the innovative training methods, the session also brought to light significant team news: the likely absence of Shubman Gill from the second Test due to a neck spasm. While Gill is set to travel with the team to Guwahati, the ‘amount of stiffness on the nape of his neck’ makes his participation ‘bleak’. This unforeseen setback creates a potential opening in the playing XI, underscoring the demanding nature of international cricket schedules.

Into this void steps Andhra batting all-rounder Nitish Reddy, who has been ‘taken out of the ongoing India A series against South Africa A in Rajkot’ and arrived in Kolkata. Reddy’s call-up, despite the logistical challenges of travelling from Rajkot to Kolkata and then Guwahati, highlights the team management’s urgency and belief in his capabilities. Described as an ‘Andhra batting all-rounder’ and a ‘right-hander’ with ‘a Test century to his name’ (presumably in First-Class cricket), Reddy presents a compelling case for selection. His all-round abilities and right-handedness could offer a valuable balance to the Test squad, especially if the team is looking for a like-for-like replacement for Gill’s batting slot, or even a different dimension if the pitch conditions demand.

The Optional Session: A Glimpse into Professionalism

It’s worth noting that only six players attended this optional session, including senior-most member Ravindra Jadeja, who ‘batted the longest’. This isn’t necessarily a cause for concern; optional sessions often cater to players who feel the need for specific adjustments or extra practice, while others might be focusing on recovery or alternative training regimens. Jadeja’s extended batting stint, however, speaks volumes about the commitment and dedication of experienced campaigners to continuously hone their craft, setting a benchmark for the younger members of the squad.

Conclusion: Blending Tradition with Modern Demands

The Eden Gardens practice session offers a fascinating snapshot of modern Indian cricket’s strategic depth and commitment to player development. From the ‘one pad off’ drill, which harks back to ‘old-school’ coaching philosophies, to the meticulous attention of coaches like Gautam Gambhir, and the swift tactical responses to player injuries, every element points towards a team relentlessly striving for excellence.

The risky yet rewarding ‘one pad off’ approach taken by Sudharsan and Jurel exemplifies a proactive stance against historical technical challenges, particularly against spin. Meanwhile, the unfortunate injury to Shubman Gill and the rapid inclusion of Nitish Reddy underscore the depth of talent within Indian cricket and the management’s agility in adapting to unforeseen circumstances. As the team heads towards the next Test, these insights into their preparation offer a compelling narrative of innovation, resilience, and an unwavering pursuit of victory.

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